The national flag of Aruba was first raised in March 1976 and has since become one of the main symbols of the country, like the coat of arms and anthem.
Description and proportions of the flag of Aruba
The rectangular flag of Aruba has the classic aspect ratio of 2: 3. It can be raised by both private individuals and state bodies and public organizations of the country.
The main field of the flag of Aruba is painted in bright blue. As conceived by the authors of the flag, it symbolizes not only the waters of the Caribbean Sea, but also freedom and independence, hope for a better future and the peaceful disposition of the people of Aruba.
In the lower part of the flag, two thin yellow stripes run horizontally, signifying the country's wealth, its natural resources and tourism, which provides the main profit to the economy of Aruba. The gold stripes on the flag of Aruba are also a symbol of sunny weather, which pampers both guests and locals with its warmth.
In the upper part of the flag of Aruba, closer to the flagpole, an image of a red four-pointed star with a white border is applied. Its symbolism is interpreted in different ways. The four rays are the main languages spoken by the locals. The red color of the symbol reminds of the blood shed by the heroes of the country in the war of liberation, and the white border symbolizes the purity of thoughts and ingenuity of the islanders. The red star in white edging on a blue background is also the island of Aruba itself, surrounded by its white beaches, drifting on the waves of the blue Caribbean Sea.
The colors of the flag of Aruba are also present on the country's coat of arms, which was officially approved on Independence Day. It is a heraldic shield divided by a white cross into four fields. Their background colors are red, yellow and blue. The shield depicts the symbols of the state, which are important for every islander.
History of the flag of Aruba
The island of Aruba, part of the Leeward Islands, was discovered at the beginning of the 16th century by the Spaniards. A century later, the island was invaded by the Dutch and gradually turned into an agricultural appendage of the Netherlands. During the years of colonial dependence, the flag of the Netherlands served as the state flag of Aruba, and only in 1976 the islanders received independence and their own flag.
The flag of Aruba is extremely revered in the country. Flag Day is celebrated annually on March 18 and is widely celebrated in Aruba. Locals organize carnival and fairs in honor of their state symbol, in which numerous tourists also take part.
